Yamaha NIKEN 850 triple-cylinder, three-wheeler revealed
This large-displacement Leaning Multi-Wheeler (LMW) is powered by a liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine. This model is equipped with LMW technology to reduce the effects of changing ride environments and to deliver a high feeling of stability when cornering.
It achieves excellent performance for spirited and sporty riding on various road surfaces and the capability to freely carve through the continuous corners of winding roads.
The body design makes full use of the unprecedented front-end suspension mechanisms pairing 15-inch front wheels with dual-tube upside down forks to visually accentuate the machine’s sporty performance and create a high-quality look and feel at the same time.
Yamaha NIKEN Features
- Length x Width x Height: 2150mm x 885mm x 1250mm
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve
- Cylinder arrangement: In-line three-cylinder
- Fuel supply system: Fuel injection
It seems likely the Niken will feature the triple-cylinder engine or some derivative from the MT-09, seeing as how that’s a 847cc triple-cylinder and bears a striking resemblance to the powerplant features in the images provided.
Other items of note in the images are traction control and power modes, with a dash mounted traction control button, while a cruise control switchblock control is also visible. Whether this will be standard in all markets remains a question.
The two-piece seat looks to give a comfortable pillion perch, with an MT-09 styled tail, and a swingarm mounted rear fender, while the rear suspension features a remote preload adjuster.
There’s also a quickshifter fitted, which would mirror the new MT-09 this year, with front end styling seeming a mix of the R1 and perhaps T-Max at the nose.
15 inch front wheels are mounted to dual fork assemblies on each side, with brakes looking to be similar to the Yamaha items found on the MT-09.
The images released by Yamaha certainly suggest that this’ll be a sporty offering, with the “Leaning Multi-Wheeler” technology allowing for plenty of lean angle, while the current 847cc triple-cylinder is no slouch.
Further information will be released November 6th.